Sting Cancels Performance in Kazakhstan Over Human Rights Issues

Former Police frontman Sting canceled a concert in Kazakhstan set for Monday (July 4) after pressure from Amnesty International over human rights issues in the country.

Sting has been trekking across Eastern Europe with his 'Symphonicity' orchestral tour, but chose not to play the Astana Day festival in Kazakhstan when he learned through Amnesty International that oil workers and their union leaders were being oppressed in the country.

"Hunger strikes, imprisoned workers and tens of thousands on strike represents a virtual picket line which I have no intention of crossing," commented Sting. "The Kazakh gas and oil workers and their families need our support and the spotlight of the international media on their situation in the hope of bringing about positive change."

Sting's 'Symphonicity' tour sees the singer and his band performing his greatest Police and solo hits with full orchestra. The trek is set to resume Thursday (July 7) in Kiev, Ukraine.